Top London Animator Jobs: How to Find & Apply
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 6 min read

Contents

  1. What is an animator job?
  2. Why London for animator jobs?
  3. How to search for animator jobs in London
  4. Top London animation studios
  5. How to apply for animator jobs in London
  6. Tips for applying to animator jobs in London

London's animation scene is on fire, and everyone wants in. If you're on the hunt for the top animator opportunities in London, this guide is your golden ticket. From understanding what an animator job entails, to job hunting tips in London's bustling animation scene, we've got you covered. Let's dive in.

What is an animator job?

Before we explore the top animator opportunities in London, let's take a moment to clarify what an animator job is all about. Being an animator isn't just about drawing cartoons, as some might think—it's a blend of art, storytelling, and technical skills.

Artistic Skills

At the heart of an animator's job is art. You'll need to be able to:

  • Draw: Whether it's on paper or on a computer, being able to draw is a key part of an animator's job.
  • Visualize: Animators need to be able to see the end product in their mind's eye. This helps guide the animation process.

Storytelling

Animation is about bringing stories to life. For this, animators need to:

  • Understand story arcs: This is about knowing how a story flows and how to build tension and release.
  • Create engaging characters: Your characters need to be more than just pretty pictures—they need to have depth and personality.

Technical Skills

Finally, an animator's job involves a fair bit of technical work. This includes:

  • Mastering animation software: Tools like Adobe After Effects, Blender, and Maya are part of the animator's toolbox.
  • Understanding the principles of animation: These are rules that guide how things move and behave. They're what make your animations look believable.

So, now that you know what an animator job is, you're ready to explore the top animator opportunities in London. But why London, you may ask? We'll cover that in the next section!

Why London for animator jobs?

London isn't just the capital of the UK—it's also a major hub for the animation industry. Let's see what makes London a magnet for those seeking top animator opportunities.

A Vibrant Animation Scene

London is home to a rich and diverse animation scene. From small indie studios to big-name companies, London has it all. You might find yourself working on:

  • TV shows: London-based studios produce some of the world's most beloved animated TV shows.
  • Movies: Ever heard of a little studio called Framestore? They're based in London and have worked on films like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
  • Video games: The UK's video game industry is booming, and London is at its heart. You might find yourself animating characters for the next big hit!

Opportunities for Growth

London's animation industry isn't just big—it's also growing. This means more top animator opportunities for you. Whether you're a newbie looking for your first job or a seasoned pro aiming for a senior role, London has something for everyone.

A City of Inspiration

Finally, London itself is a source of inspiration. With its mix of historic landmarks and cutting-edge modernity, there's always something to spark your creativity.

Ready to dive into London's animation scene? In the next section, we'll show you how to find the top animator opportunities in London. Stay tuned!

How to search for animator jobs in London

Ready to start your job search? Here are some tips to help you find the top animator opportunities in London.

Know Where to Look

London's animation industry is big, which means there are lots of places to find job listings. Here are a few places to start:

  • Company websites: Many animation studios list job openings on their websites. Check out the careers page for studios like Framestore, Blue-Zoo, or Jellyfish Pictures.
  • Job search websites: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn often list animator jobs in London. Don't forget to set up job alerts so you don't miss any new postings!
  • Industry events: Events like animation festivals, meetups, or job fairs can be a great place to hear about job openings. Plus, you'll get to network with industry professionals.

Customize Your Approach

When you're looking for top animator opportunities in London, remember that not all jobs are the same. Each studio has its own style, culture, and projects. So before you apply, do your homework:

  1. Check out the studio's past projects. This will give you a sense of their style and the kind of work they do.
  2. Read up on the studio's culture. Do they value teamwork? Innovation? A good work-life balance? Make sure it's a place where you'd be happy to work.
  3. Finally, tailor your application to the specific job. Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a good fit for that particular role.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to start your search for the top animator opportunities in London. Good luck!

Top London animation studios

London is home to a thriving animation industry, which means there are plenty of top-notch studios where you might find your dream job. Let's take a look at some of the city's standout animation studios.

Framestore

Framestore is a titan in the animation industry, known for its award-winning work in film, television, and advertising. If you're keen on working on top-tier projects in a highly collaborative environment, Framestore might just be your perfect match.

Blue-Zoo Animation

What makes Blue-Zoo stand out is its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in animation. The studio is known for its innovative approach and original content. If you're the type who loves to experiment and innovate, you might find yourself right at home at Blue-Zoo.

Jellyfish Pictures

Jellyfish Pictures is another industry leader. The studio prides itself on its creativity, technical prowess, and its nurturing of talent. If you're looking for a place where you can grow and develop as an animator, Jellyfish Pictures is definitely worth considering.

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many animation studios in London. With so many options, you're sure to find a studio that fits your style and career goals. So go ahead, start exploring the top animator opportunities in London today!

How to apply for animator jobs in London

Now that we've got a handle on the top animation studios in London, let's get into the nitty-gritty of applying for those alluring animator jobs.

Prepare a Stellar Portfolio

The first step is to prepare a killer portfolio. This is your chance to showcase your skills and creativity, so make sure it's chock-full of your best work. Your portfolio should demonstrate a range of styles and techniques, and let your unique voice as an animator shine through.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Next up is the cover letter. This is your opportunity to tell potential employers why you're the perfect fit for their studio. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to the job description. Remember, you want to grab their attention and make them want to know more about you.

Refine Your CV

Don't forget the CV! It may seem a bit old-fashioned in the creative industry, but a well-crafted CV can make a world of difference. Highlight your experience, skills, and achievements—especially those that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Applying for animator jobs in London can be a thrilling journey. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can increase your chances of landing one of those top animator opportunities in London. So get started, and best of luck!

Tips for applying to animator jobs in London

Now that we've covered the basics of applying, let's move on to some tips that can give you an edge in the competitive animation job market in London.

Always Tailor Your Application

One size does not fit all when it comes to job applications. Ensure you tailor your application to each specific job posting. This shows potential employers that you are genuinely interested in their specific role and not just casting a wide net.

Network, Network, Network

While your portfolio and CV are essential, don't underestimate the power of networking. Attending industry events, joining animation groups, and connecting with professionals in the field can open up opportunities that you may not find in a standard job listing.

The animation industry is always evolving and staying current with the latest trends and software can make you stand out. Take every opportunity to learn and experiment with new techniques and tools. This not only boosts your skill set but also demonstrates your passion and dedication.

Practice Patience

Finally, remember that good things come to those who wait. The job hunting process can be time-consuming and even a bit disheartening at times. However, with persistence and a positive outlook, you'll be on your way to securing one of the top animator opportunities in London in no time!

If you're looking to find and apply for top London animator jobs, you'll want to ensure your animation skills are up to par. We recommend checking out the workshop 'Bringing Your Art To Life With Animations' by Farid Sukurov. This workshop will help you hone your animation skills and give you the competitive edge you need to succeed in the industry.